In day-to-day life, you probably prefer your septic field out of sight and out of mind. Still, this crucial part of your home's infrastructure can take up a lot of space in a yard that could otherwise be landscaped. How much landscaping you can get away with around a septic tank? While some decoration is fine, keep these points in mind to make sure your next septic pumping goes smoothly. 

Providing Clear Access from the Driveway

Homeowners often start projects like fences or retaining walls without considering how it impacts septic pumping. Always leave a clear line of access from your driveway or another parking site to the septic tank cover. Forcing your septic technician to run a heavy hose over a fence slows down the process and could cause unnecessary damage to both fence and hose. Whenever possible, install a gate along that side of your property to make the job simpler.

Avoiding Large or Deep-Rooted Plants

Most of your septic field should be covered by lawn. Small plants with shallow roots, however, can usually grow over a septic field without damaging it. Larger woody plants like trees and shrubs, on the other hand, will send roots down into your septic system, where they may easily burst pipes and tanks. When this happens, a routine septic pump could turn into a more costly repair or replacement.

Keeping the Topsoil Clear

Your septic system relies on adequate drainage and healthy soil to dispose of waste safely and efficiently. And, if something goes wrong, septic technicians need to access the field with no major obstacles. Avoid any landscaping that requires soil liner or excessive mulch or gravel, and don't add or remove topsoil from the septic field.

Mowing Grass and Trimming Plants

Before your septic pumping appointment, be sure to mow the lawn and trim any plants around the access hatch. This is a simple courtesy, but it can make a big difference for your septic technician. The easier it is to reach the tank cover and make any necessary repairs, the faster your septic maintenance will go.

Marking the Access Lid Without Blocking It

Septic lids aren't always the most attractive lawn feature. There are many items available today that both hide the lid and mark a cover's location, such as fake boulders. But before your appointment, make sure that any object obscuring the septic tank lid is out of the way. Always choose light-weight landscaping features to cover an access hatch; too much weight can cause permanent damage to your septic system. If you have any further questions about landscaping around a septic field, call your local septic service for professional advice. 

For more information, contact a local company like Chris Mote's Pumping Service.